Nassau Grouper: Epinephelus striatus

Appearance:

• Color light background with brown or red-brown bars on sides
• Stripe in shape of tuning fork on forehead
• Third spine of dorsal is longer than second
• Pelvic fins are shorter than pectoral
• Black dots located around the eyes
• Large black saddle on caudal peduncle
  
  

Habitat:

This grouper's range is limited to south Florida.  Nassau grouper are somewhat site specific.  Smaller individuals are found nearshore while adults are often found offhsore on rocky reefs.

Behavior:

Nassau grouper form large spawning aggregations, making this species highly vulnerable to overharvest.

State Record:

9 lb, caught near Marathon Key (2007)

Fishing Tips and Facts:

All harvest of this species is prohibited.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles